Only this morning, Rooney was named in the England squad for the friendly against Austria on Nov 16 and the potentially decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia five days later.

However, the 22-year-old, capped 40 times for his country, will now miss out after suffering his injury this morning in training for United's Premier League match at home to Blackburn on Sunday.

Rooney left United's Carrington training facility on crutches and most likely will miss their remaining two group matches in the Champions League, although United have already reached the knockout stages by beating Dynamo Kiev 4-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

England coach Steve McClaren said. "It is hugely disappointing for us and him.

"Given the form he has been in and the contribution he has made to England over the last two games means it is a blow.

"But we have to deal with it, like we have dealt with situations like these before. It is an opportunity for someone else to come and do a job."

Although the loss to England is huge given the importance of the Croatia game, Rooney's absence will also be felt by United.

Rooney has scored nine goals in his last nine games for club and country and would have scored in nine consecutive matches had he been credited with United's opener against Arsenal last weekend.

In total, he could miss five United games. Louis Saha, a substitute against both Arsenal and Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday, will be first in line to replace him, with Peter Crouch the most likely contender to partner Michael Owen for England.